Join us this Sunday in commemorating The Epiphany, a Christian feast day celebrated on January 6, also known as "Three Kings' Day."

This day marks the beginning of "Epiphanytide" or "The Season after Epiphany," which extends through Shrove Tuesday, February 13, the day before Ash Wednesday.

Epiphany is a special time that signifies the appearance of Jesus Christ as the savior of the world—both for Israel and the Gentiles. This Sunday, we recount the visitation of the Magi or “wise men," who were almost certainly Gentiles, in the Gospel reading of Matthew 2:1–12.

Throughout history, the Church has seen the Magi's discovery of Jesus, guided by the radiant light of a star, as a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 60:1–3 (also in this Sunday's readings). The prophecy speaks of a light rising and the glory of the Lord shining upon the people in the midst of darkness. Nations and kings are drawn to this divine light, symbolizing the universality of God's grace and truth. Throughout the season, we will ask to be aware of this light in our world today in our response to the Prayers of the People: "Awaken us to the brightness of your light."

Jesus' identity as the Son of God is dramatically revealed in the scripture readings during the weeks of Epiphany. The Gospel readings recount various events that testify to the divinity of Jesus: the coming of the Magi, the Baptism of Jesus, the wedding at Cana, the calling of the disciples, and various miracles and teachings of Jesus. The Last Sunday after the Epiphany is devoted to the Transfiguration, where Jesus ascends to the mountaintop and glows with radiant brightness as the Old Testament prophets Moses and Elijah appear.

Epiphany is, above all, about the truth of Jesus as the Messiah, the glory of the Father, shining forth to the whole world. Journey with us in this exciting season as we reflect on the manifestations of Christ's glory and the mission of the Church.

~Nancy Purcell, Director of Marketing and Communications

The image above is a photo of the icon "The Three Kings" written by Jan Miller in a class directed by

Ann Brodt. It is part of the icon exhibition in Taliaferro Hall and will be on the cover of Sunday's bulletin.

Notes on the service music: January 7

Next Sunday, January 14

The icon exhibition in Taliaferro Hall shows more than 50 icons that have been written or contributed by YOU, members of St. John's Cathedral. Icons hold significant importance in Christian practice.

Icons serve as a form of visual theology, conveying theological truths and stories through images. Each icon is carefully crafted with symbolic elements that carry profound meanings, providing a visual representation of Christian teachings.

When you visit the exhibition, consider how the icons displayed have contributed to the spiritual life of St. John's Cathedral members, serving as expressions of faith, devotion, and the rich Christian tradition. Perhaps you may ask the icon writer what the icon means to him/her.

To attend RSVP to Barbara Lee at (904) 354-1053 by January 9.

We are working on plans to see the movie A Case for Love together! Details will be sent out shortly. Based on the teachings and writings of Bishop Michael Curry, this feature-length documentary examines the question of whether or not love, specifically—unselfish—love, is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing the world. Watch the trailer below to learn more.

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